Search

We evaluated the HIV-1 DNA reservoir in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in people with HIV (PWH) and associations to cognitive dysfunction. Using the intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA), an emerging technique to identify provirus that may be the source of viral rebound, we assessed HIV DNA in CSF and PBMC in PWH regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART). CSF was used as a sampling surrogate for the central nervous system (CNS) as opposed to tissue. IDPA results (3' defective, 5' defective, and intact HIV DNA) were analyzed by compartment (Wilcoxon signed rank; matched and unmatched pairs). Cognitive performance, measured via a battery of nine neuropsychological (NP) tests, were analyzed for correlation to HIV DNA (Spearman's rho). 11 CSF and 8 PBMC samples from PWH were evaluated both unmatched and matched. Total CSF HIV DNA was detectable in all participants and was significantly higher than in matched PBMCs (p ​= ​0.0039). Intact CSF HIV DNA was detected in 7/11 participants and correlated closely with those in PBMCs but tended to be higher in CSF than in PBMC. CSF HIV DNA did not correlate with global NP performance, but higher values did correlate with worse executive function (p ​= ​0.0440). Intact HIV DNA is frequently present in the CSF of PWH regardless of ART. This further supports the presence of an HIV CNS reservoir and provides a method to study CNS reservoirs during HIV cure studies. Larger studies are needed to evaluate relationships with CNS clinical outcomes.

The control of African trypanosomiasis (AT) in Eastern and Southern Africa, including Zambia, faces huge challenges due to the involvement of wild and domestic animal reservoirs. Free-roaming dogs in wildlife-populated and tsetse-infested villages of Zambia's Mambwe district are exposed to infectious tsetse bites. Consuming fresh raw game meat and bones further exacerbates their risk of contracting AT. We focus on the reservoir role of such dogs in maintaining and transmitting diverse species of trypanosomes that are infective to humans and livestock in Zambia's Mambwe district. A cohort of 162 dogs was enrolled for follow-up at 3 different time points from June to December 2018 in selected villages of Malama, Mnkhanya, and Nsefu chiefdoms of Mambwe district, eastern Zambia. Blood and serum were screened for AT by microscopy, GM6 ELISA, PCR (ITS1 and SRA), and Sanger sequencing. Out of the 162 dogs in the cohort, 40 were lost to follow-up and only 122 remained traceable at the end of the study. GM6 ELISA detected Trypanosoma antibodies in 121 dogs (74.7%) and ITS1-PCR detected DNA involving single and mixed infections of T. congolense, T. brucei, and suspected T. simiae or T. godfreyi in 115 dogs (70.9%). The human-infective T. b. rhodesiense was detected by SRA PCR in 67 dogs (41.4%), and some sequence data that support the findings of this study have been deposited in the GenBank under accession numbers OL961811, OL961812, and OL961813. Our study demonstrates that the Trypanosoma reservoir community in Zambia is wider than was thought and includes domesticated dogs. As dogs are active carriers of human and livestock-infective trypanosomes, they pose a risk of transmitting AT in endemic villages of Mambwe district as they are neglected and left untreated. To fully bring AT under control, countries such as Zambia where the role of animal reservoirs is important, should not limit their prevention and treatment efforts to livestock (especially cattle) but also include dogs that play an integral part in most rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the state of the nesting population of some species of the order Charadariiformes (Charadriiformes) based on our own expeditionary and published data obtained during the study of bird species of the marsh-near-water complex, which is the most sensitive to changes in the water regime of reservoirs in the southern European part of Russia (using the example of artificial reservoirs of the Republic of Kalmykia), due to increased anthropogenic pressure and climate change is provided. An analysis of the impact of the water factor (drainage/watering of the reservoir) on the nesting population of some representatives of the Gull family (Laridae) is given. Information is provided on the features of the nesting ecology of the most typical nesting species of this taxonomic group for the study area, and their general quantitative indicators and population dynamics for the period 2011–2015 are given. The contribution of the reservoirs of the Sarpinskaya lake system and Deed-Khulsun Lake to the preservation and enrichment of biodiversity of the region was assessed. Recommendations are given for managing their hydrological regime in order to maintain and preserve populations of rare and vulnerable bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and climate change cause large temperature oscillations and uneven annual rainfall patterns. The rainy cycles characterized by frequent high-intensity rainfall in the area of the Stubo–Rovni water reservoir, which in 2014 peaked at 129 mm of water in 24 h (the City of Valjevo, the Republic of Serbia), caused major floods in the wider area. Such extremes negatively affect erosion processes, sediment production, and the occurrence of flash floods. The erosion coefficient before the construction of the water reservoir was Zm = 0.40, while the specific sediment production was about 916.49 m3∙km−2∙year−1. A hydrological study at the profile near the confluence of the Jadar and Obnica rivers, i.e., the beginning of the Kolubara river, the right tributary of the Sava (in the Danube river basin), indicates that the natural riverbed can accommodate flows with a 20% to 50% probability of occurrence (about 94 m3/s), while centennial flows of about 218 m3/s exceed the capacities of the natural riverbed of the Jadar river, causing flooding of the terrain and increasing risks to the safety of the population and property. The paper presents the impacts of the man-made Stubo–Rovni water reservoir on the catchment area and land use as the primary condition for preventing erosion processes (specific sediment production has decreased by about 20%, the forest cover increased by about 25%, and barren land decreased by 90%). Moreover, planned and controlled management of the Stubo–Rovni reservoir has significantly influenced the downstream flow, reducing the risks of flash floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the subtle variations in thermal structure in a reservoir is crucial for accurately understanding the interaction between water and the carbon cycle. This study provides a detailed description of the thermal structure of Dalongdong reservoir, a representative subtropical stratified reservoir in Guangxi, China. It unveils the three stable state changes in water – mixing, microstratification, and stratification – along with their influencing factors. The study emphasizes air temperature (AT) as the primary factor influencing water temperature (WT) stability, followed by water level. Cross-correlation analysis shows that adjacent WTs experience a prolonged response hysteresis during the stratification period, while the mixing period exhibits a shorter hysteresis. Wavelet analysis revealed that AT and surface-layer WT exhibited a dominant oscillation period of 16–32 h. The periodicity of other water layers is not obvious. This framework can help to enhance our understanding of material cycles and protection of the water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite xerogel films with structural orientation, controlled swelling degree, and drug‐release ability are prepared using biocompatible megamolecular liquid crystalline polysaccharide (sacran) secreted by a cyanobacterium Aphanothece sacrum. The sacran xerogel films (Sac‐XFs) are formed by drying sacran aqueous solution including vitamin C (L‐ascorbic acid, AA) and trehalose under various conditions. In X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry of Sac‐XFs, diffractions or melting points of either AA or trehalose are not detected, indicating no crystal formation. Additionally, the stability of entrapped AA in Sac‐XFs is evaluated through changes in film color and percentage loss, to indicate that AA stability is enhanced by entrapment in Sac‐XFs in the presence of trehalose. Scanning electron microscopy of Sac‐XFs reveals the morphological orientation, and number of striped lines along the longitudinal axis of film edges on side views while no visible textures in top views. When Sac‐XFs are immersed in water, anisotropic swelling is observed, and anisotropy decreases with an increase in the drying temperature of the films. AA is released preferentially from the hydrogel sheet edges, indicating the direction‐controlled release. Thus, the trehalose/sacran composite xerogels offer an alternative platform for preserving and controlled‐releasing sensitive substances for fields of foods, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curve of landslide thrust plays a key role in landslide design. The commonly used transfer coefficient method (TCM) and Morgenstern-Price method (MPM) are analyzed. TCM does not take into account the moment balance between slices. Although MPM considers the moment balance, the calculation is complex, and it does not consider that the force between slices may be less than zero at the back edge of the landslide. The rationality and feasibility of the improved MPM are verified by calculating the landslide stability coefficient and landslide thrust at different reservoir water levels. This paper studies the law of landslide thrust when the reservoir water level changes, and discusses the determination of design thrust, to provide a certain theoretical basis for the design of reservoir landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article raises the topic of the critical examination of polypropylene, a key polymeric material, and its extensive application within the automotive industry, particularly focusing on the manufacturing of brake fluid reservoirs. This study aims to enhance the understanding of polypropylene's behavior under mechanical stresses through a series of laboratory destruction tests and numerical simulations, emphasizing the finite element method (FEM). A novel aspect of this research is the introduction of the PEAK parameter, a groundbreaking approach designed to assess the material's resilience against varying states of strain, known as triaxiality. This parameter facilitates the identification of critical areas prone to crack initiation, thereby enabling the optimization of component design with a minimized safety margin, which is crucial for cost-effective production. The methodology involves conducting burst tests to locate crack initiation sites, followed by FEM simulations to determine the PEAK threshold value for the Sabic 83MF10 polypropylene material. The study successfully validates the predictive capability of the PEAK parameter, demonstrating a high correlation between simulated results and actual laboratory tests. This validation underscores the potential of the PEAK parameter as a predictive tool for enhancing the reliability and safety of polypropylene automotive components. The research presented in this article contributes significantly to the field of material science and engineering by providing a deeper insight into the mechanical behavior of polypropylene and introducing an effective tool for predicting crack initiation in automotive components. The findings hold promise for advancing the design and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry, with potential applications extending to other sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's electrical sector has witnessed a significant decline in hydropower share, leading to an increased reliance on thermal power generation, exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions, and altering rainfall patterns. To mitigate these challenges, a pioneering approach of integrating Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) plants with hydropower reservoirs emerges. This research focuses on the Srisailam hydropower reservoir, estimating FSPV potential in four scenarios and evaluating two floating structures. The results unveil a remarkable transformation: covering less than 3% of the reservoir area could double installed power capacity and boost electricity production by 81%, adding 2664 GWh annually. Additionally, implementing FSPV leads to water savings of 46.57 million cubic meters per year, generating an extra 15.01 GWh of hydropower yearly. This visionary integration offers a sustainable solution, balancing energy generation with water conservation. It urges policymakers and innovators to embrace renewable energy's coexistence with responsible resource management. By harnessing this synergy, India can pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable future, mitigating climate change's impact and securing energy for generations to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to characterize the significance of different micro-habitats in the context of habitat quality, complex food-web within and surrounding environs of the Asan Conservation reserve wetland in outer Himalayan tract. The unceasing nutrient-rich water flow supports vegetation growth and the occurrence of biological elements at different trophic levels of the food chain supply. A mix of swamp-marsh, shallow and deep water, floating, and terrestrial vegetation make it a good environmental setup to meet various life-cycle needs of the migratory and resident birds. Four dominant biotic groups: primary producers and consumers at different trophic levels such as butterflies, amphibians, and birds were studied. We used two-season IRS LISS IV satellite data of 2016 for characterizing the micro-habitat of the wetland. The analyses of water quality for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and total soil organic content indicates that these are within permissible limits for the survival of larvae, prey, and predators species to complete their lifecycle. The unique ecological setup formed by the permanent source of flowing and stagnant water, natural and semi-natural vegetation, the mosaic of tree-grassland-marsh-swamp land, seasonal crops, prey species, etc. and the presence of peripheral vegetation are some of the ecological niceties and reasons for attracting a large number of migratory birds. Habitat used by birds, amphibians, and butterflies in the core wetland and adjacent ecosystems were characterized. We recommend adaptive scientific management for maintaining 'Hemi marsh' in the ratio of 60:40 between the water and vegetation, controlling water pollution and eutrophication, and fixing of dredging policy after thorough studies on the soil benthic fauna before and after desilting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low flow velocity disrupts the potential fish migration passages in a reservoir, and causes reservoirs to become labyrinths for migratory fish. Previous studies showed that fish migration passages in a reservoir can be restored by modifying reservoir operation. However, reservoir operating rules that are specifically designed to support fish migration have not been established, leading to low success for fish migration and high socioeconomic losses. In this research, we established new reservoir operating rules to improve the migration success rate while also reducing socioeconomic losses. Under the new rules, two parameters (reservoir water level and predicted reservoir inflows) were adapted to trigger water releases to open migration passages. The two parameters were optimized by considering hydrological processes, fish migration processes below the dam, the swimming ability of fish, and the socioeconomic benefits provided by the reservoir. We used data from China's Danjiangkou Reservoir to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. We found that the new method can not only improve the migration success rate (from 0.1% to 4.2%), but can also slightly reduce the reservoir's socioeconomic losses (by 3.7%–7.0%). The new method effectively balances the needs of fish migration with the need for socioeconomic development in the areas surrounding dammed rivers. Key Points: We developed an eco‐friendly reservoir operation method by adding specific rules for fish migration to the original operating rule curvesThe method can improve the migration success rate while reducing the loss of socioeconomic benefitsThe method provides stable optimization for meeting the varying flow requirements of target species [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural gas hydrate is a kind of low-carbon and clean new energy, so research on its efficient extraction in terms of theory and technology is particularly important. Combined thermal injection and depressurization is an effective method for extracting natural gas hydrate. In this study, the classical local heat equilibrium model was modified, and a pore-scale fully coupled unsteady heat transfer model for hydrate reservoirs was set up by considering multiple forms of heat flow accompanying hydrate's decomposition and gas–liquid flow. Based on this model and the basic geological information of the X2 hydrate reservoir in the western Pacific Ocean, a numerical model of gas hydrate extraction using combined heat injection and depressurization was constructed to simulate the production performance of the hydrate reservoir. The results were fully compared with the results obtained by the depressurization method alone. The results indicated the hydrate extraction via a combined heat injection and depressurization would have a cumulative gas production of 31.609 million m3 and a cumulative water production of 1.5219 million m3, which are 72.57% higher and 31.75% lower than those obtained by depressurization alone, respectively. These study results can provide theoretical support for the industrial extraction of gas hydrate in seas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus belonging to the Rocahepevirus ratti species, genotype HEV-C1, has been extensively reported in rats in Europe, Asia and North America. Recently, human cases of hepatitis associated with HEV-C1 infection have been reported, but the zoonotic nature of rat-HEV remains controversial. The transmission route of rat-HEV is unidentified and requires further investigation. The HEV strains of the Paslahepevirus balayani species, belonging to the same Hepeviridae family, and including the zoonotic genotype HEV-3 usually found in pigs, have also sporadically been identified in rats. We sampled 115 rats (liver, lung, feces) between 2020 and 2023 in Northeast Italy and the HEV detection was carried out by using Reverse Transcription PCR. HEV RNA was detected in 3/115 (2.6%) rats who tested positive for HEV-C1 strains in paired lung, intestinal contents and liver samples. Overall, none tested positive for the Paslahepevirus balayani strains. In conclusion, our results confirm the presence of HEV-rat in Italy with a prevalence similar to previous studies but show that there is a wide heterogeneity of strains in circulation. The detection of HEV-C1 genotype of Rocahepevirus ratti species in some human cases of acute hepatitis suggests that HEV-C1 may be an underestimated source of human infections. This finding, with the geographically widespread detection of HEV-C1 in rats, raises questions about the role of rats as hosts for both HEV-C1 and HEV-3 and the possibility of zoonotic transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a balance between supply and demand is critical within electricity grids, requiring a supply composition that guarantees consistent service provision in the short and medium term. Between 2008 and 2017, Ecuador's electricity generation capacity expanded significantly, with an investment of approximately USD 8150 million into harnessing the potential energy of water. This led to the construction of five high-capacity hydroelectric projects by 2017, contributing 33.4% of the sector's energy output by 2023. However, it is important to note that if installed hydroelectric projects operate as run-of-river plants, with limited reservoir capacity, they can only regulate water use for electricity generation on an hourly basis. As of 2023, these run-of-river plants represent 68.8% of Ecuador's total hydroelectric capacity within the National Interconnected System (SNI). Consequently, during periods of low inflows, supplementary energy from other power generation plants is necessary to prevent energy crises. This paper addresses the impact on energy storing for electricity generation resulting from the evolution of hydroelectric power plant entry from 2006 to 2023. This aspect has not been thoroughly examined in hydrothermal systems, which primarily focus on potential energy obtained from dams. Our approach involves a statistical analysis of hydroelectric dam reservoir operational levels. We further explore the influence on demand service within Ecuador's electricity system, particularly during observed energy crises towards the end of 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface natural hydrogen accumulations that can be economically and safely recovered are a major target of the present roadmap towards the use of hydrogen as an alternative and C-free energy resource. The existence of H 2 -rich reservoirs in ophiolites, where H 2 is produced via serpentinization, was theoretically predicted based on the intensity of gas seeps in Turkey and Albania. Here, we examine the geological bases supporting the potential existence of H 2 reservoirs within ophiolites in general, also considering available data on ophiolitic petroleum reservoirs, and we document a direct observation of a H 2 -rich accumulation within an ophiolite. We studied the case of a borehole, drilled in the 1970s for metal mining exploration purposes within the Tișovița–Iuți ophiolite, in Romania, which accidentally encountered pressurized gas with ∼29 vol% H 2 at a depth of about 800 m. We reconstructed the geometry of the ophiolite sequence in correspondence with the well and suggested that the reservoir is within cataclastic dunite near the tectonic contact between layered dunite and the harzburgite-dunite peridotites; the upper, non deformed portion of serpentinized layered dunite, likely with the contribution of tonalite veins, acted as a fluid trap. Although plugged, we detected H 2 leakage from this well and from a second well in the same area, with H 2 concentrations exceeding 100 ppmv in the air and 0.1 mg H 2 /L in the water within the wellhead open casing. We propose a broad conceptual model in which deformed, fractured, and non-deformed, impermeable sections of serpentinized peridotites can determine ophiolitic H 2 -rich reservoirs and traps, respectively, as factors that shall be considered in the guidelines for H 2 reservoir exploration. • Direct observation of pressurized H 2 -rich reservoir in ophiolite (Romania). • Potential reservoirs and cap rocks in ophiolites. • H 2 leakage observed in the abandoned wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodology applied for the development of the research process is framed in a conceptual basis associated with the systemic approach of the territory and the landscape units as a tool for their multiscale planning; and the municipal territorial diagnosis that allowed evidencing the potentialities and land and use conflicts associated with the construction and operational- ization of the multipurpose reservoir Topocoro. As a result, a series of strategic guidelines for sustainable development is obtained that serves as the basis for the structuring of a sustainable land management model that allows to organize the municipality of Betulia in macro units and landscape units focused on configuring plot units on sites that do not mainly affect biotic and abiotic mass, contribute to economic reactivation and the improvement of the living conditions of local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dams have negatively affected freshwater biodiversity throughout the world. These negative effects tend to be exacerbated for aquatic taxa with migratory life histories, and for taxa whose habitat is fundamentally altered by the formation of large reservoirs. Sauger (Sander candadensis; Percidae), large‐bodied migratory fishes native to North America, have seen population declines over much of the species' range, and dams are often implicated for their role in blocking access to spawning habitat and otherwise negatively affecting river habitat. Furthermore, hybridization appears to be more frequent between sauger and walleye in the reservoirs formed by large dams. In this study, we examine the role of dams in altering sauger population connectivity and facilitating hybridization with introduced walleye in Wyoming's Wind River and Bighorn River systems. We collected genomic data from individuals sampled over a large spatial scale and replicated sampling throughout the spawning season, with the intent to capture potential variation in hybridization prevalence or genomic divergence between sauger with different life histories. The timing of sampling was not related to hybridization prevalence or population divergence, suggesting limited genetic differences between sauger spawning in different time and places. Overall, there was limited hybridization detected, however, hybridization was most prevalent in Boysen Reservoir (a large impounded section of the Wind River). Dams in the lower Wind River and upper Bighorn River were associated with population divergence between sauger upstream and downstream of the dams, and demographic models suggest that this divergence has occurred in concordance with the construction of the dam. Sauger upstream of the dams exhibited substantially lower estimates of genetic diversity, which implies that disrupted connectivity between Wind River and Bighorn River sauger populations may already be causing negative demographic effects. This research points towards the importance of considering the evolutionary consequences of dams on fish populations in addition to the threats they pose to population persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latent reservoir remains a major roadblock to curing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Currently available antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress active HIV replication, reduce viral loads to undetectable levels, and halt disease progression. However, antiretroviral drugs are unable to target cells that are latently infected with HIV, which can seed viral rebound if ART is stopped. Consequently, a major focus of the field is to study the latent viral reservoir and develop safe and effective methods to eliminate it. Here, we provide an overview of the major mechanisms governing the establishment and maintenance of HIV latency, the key challenges posed by latent reservoirs, small animal models utilized to study HIV latency, and contemporary cure approaches. We also discuss ongoing efforts to apply these approaches in combination, with the goal of achieving a safe, effective, and scalable cure for HIV that can be extended to the tens of millions of people with HIV worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the transmission of viruses from wildlife to humans has raised significant public health concerns, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Human activities play a substantial role in increasing the risk of zoonotic virus transmission from wildlife to humans. Rats and mice are prevalent in urban environments and may act as reservoirs for various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of zoonotic viruses in wild rats and mice in both urban and rural areas, focusing on well-known zoonotic viruses such as betacoronavirus, hantavirus, arenavirus, kobuvirus, and monkeypox virus, along with other viruses occasionally detected in rats and mice, including rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus, which are known to infect humans at a high rate. A total of 128 animals were captured, including 70 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 45 black rats (Rattus rattus), and 13 house mice (Mus musculus), and feces, lung, and liver were collected. Among brown rats, one fecal sample tested positive for astrovirus RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed high sequence similarity to both human and rat astrovirus, suggesting co-presence of these viruses in the feces. Murine kobuvirus (MuKV) was detected in fecal samples from both black (n = 7) and brown (n = 6) rats, primarily from urban areas, as confirmed by sequence analysis. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and research to understand and mitigate the risks associated with the potential transmission of pathogens by rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir construction and operation profoundly alter the hydrological, hydrodynamic, and carbon and nitrogen cycling processes of rivers. However, current research still lacks a systematic understanding of the characteristics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reservoirs in arid/semi-arid regions. This study integrates existing monitoring data to discuss the characteristics of GHG emissions from reservoirs in the Yellow River Basin and illustrate the controlling factors and underlying mechanism of these processes. The results indicate that while CO2 emission flux from reservoirs is lower than that from river channels, the emission fluxes of CH4 and N2O are 1.9 times and 10 times those from rivers, respectively, indicating that the emission of GHG with stronger radiative effect is significantly enhanced in reservoirs. Compared to the reservoirs in humid climates (e.g., the Three Gorges Reservoir), reservoirs in the Yellow River Basin exhibit relatively lower emissions of CO2 and CH4 due to lower organic matter concentrations, but significantly higher N2O emissions due to higher nitrogen loads. Monte Carlo simulations for 237 reservoirs in the Yellow River Basin showed that total emission of the three GHGs is 3.05 Tg CO2-eq yr−1, accounting for 0.39% of the total emission from global reservoirs and lower than the area percentage of the basin (0.53%). This study has important implications on revealing the GHG emission characteristics and control mechanisms of reservoirs in arid/semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The related issues with the heavy metals in the different water bodies have been widespread, causing concern around the world. In this study, the single-factor pollution index, Nemerow composite pollution index, health risk assessment (AHP model), multivariate statistical analysis, including correlation analysis, and principal component analysis were conducted to depict the pollution appraisal, the health risk assessment, and the source apportionment of the reservoirs in Northern Anhui Province, China. The results showed that the mean concentration order was as follows: Mn>Zn>As>Ni>Cr> Cu>Co>Cd. The coefficient of variation of Cr and Mn indicated the high degree of anthropogenic activities, and the remaining heavy metals implied that they were relatively stable. The single factor pollution index and Nemerow’s pollution index consistently showed that only sampling site R06 was slightly polluted, and the remaining 13 sampling points were free-pollution. The average annual health risk value of chemical carcinogens in the human body is much higher than that of chemical non-carcinogens, and children are more likely to be threatened by heavy metals than adults. Under the route of drinking water and skin contact, the maximum annual health risk caused by Cr exceeds the maximum acceptable risk level 1x10-4 issued by USEPA. The correlation analysis suggested that the correlation coefficients between Mn-Co, Co-Ni, As-Cd, and Cr-Ni revealed a significant positive correlation. When combined with the principal component analysis, the three principal components may be related to the discharge of domestic wastewater, automobile exhaust emissions, and pesticides and fertilizers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left atrium is not a simple passive transport chamber which transfers blood from the pulmonary circulation to the left ventricle. Left atrium has conduit, reservoir and pump functions and multiple variables have been developed to evaluate those functions. Aim of the study: It is comparison of LAFI to traditional echo parameters of Left atrium function in atrial fibrillation and diastolic dysfunction. Methods: This Prospective cross sectional study was conducted among the patients attending the Cardiology OPD with Atrial fibrillation and Diastolic dysfunction in Tertiary care centre, Chennai .The study was done for a period from Jan 2022 to Jan 2023.The study participants fulfilling the inclusion and the exclusion criteria were included in the study throughout the study period. The final attained sample is 75. After obtaining the Institutional Ethical Committee clearance, the study was started after obtaining patients informed consent. Baseline details of study participants like name, age, sex, residence. Anthropometric measurement like height and weight will be taken.Body mass index will be calculated. Echocardiography investigation will be done. After collecting the data it was entered in MS Excel Windows 10.Statistical analysis was done in SPSS 23..P value of <0.005 is considered to be statistically significant. Results: Age, sex, height, weight,Body mass index and Body surface are was found to be not statistically significant between the groups. There is a very weak correlation between LAVI & LAFI in atrial fibrillation group (r= 0.2). There is a strong correlation between A cm/s and LAFI, There is a strong correlation between AVTI and LAFI (r= 0.89). when LAFI <24.5 is set as cut off value, LAFI as a parameter to diagnose left atrial dysfunction has 100% sensitivity, 56%specificity, 53% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value. Conclusion: LAFI is low in chronic AF and Diastolic Dysfunction patients in our study. LAFI has high sensitivity and negative predictive value. LAFI is a rhythm independent Left atrium function marker. Thereby we conclude that LAFI is a comprehensive marker of left atrial structural and functional assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niger Delta, a cornerstone of Nigeria's oil and gas sector, plays a significant role in the Nation's energy landscape. This research concentrates on enhancing reservoir characterization, specifically emphasizing advancing rock facies classification. Employing advanced machine-learning methodologies and a dataset from 12 wells containing crucial well log parameters, such as Gamma Ray, Resistivity Micro-Spherical, Volume of Shale, Resistivity Deep, Resistivity Medium, Density, and Porosity, we conducted a rigorous evaluation of various classification models. The Random Forest algorithm emerged as the optimal choice, achieving an impressive F1 score of 0.93 and an accuracy of 0.93 on the cross-validation set. A meticulous analysis of identified facies classes, including Shale, Lower Shoreface, Middle Shoreface, Upper Shoreface, Transition Shoreface, Over Bank, and Channel, through confusion matrices, offered profound insights into the Model's efficiency. Feature importance analysis underscored the critical role of variables such as volume of shale, gamma ray, porosity, and bulk density in driving accurate predictions. This research significantly advances subsurface exploration in the Niger Delta, highlighting the effectiveness of machine learning for geologic characterization within the region's intricate geological landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daphnia cucullata is one of the most abundant zooplankton species, found in 85 percent of freshwater and as a model aquatic organism it was chosen from this study. That is why this zooplankton species was chosen. The plankton samples were collected from Keban Reservoir from 2020-2023 with a standard plankton net (55-µm mesh size) at the designated station, Plankton samples were stored in 4% formaldehyde solution. Some water quality parameters were determined by making instant physical measurements with a YSI (EXO 2) model device. Water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (Secchi Disk Depth) and Chlorophyll a were measured. In this study, the fouryear body changes of D. cucullata in August from 2020 to 2023 were monitored. During four years of progressive eutrophication in Keban Reservoir, we found that among the five morphological parameters analyzed in D. cucullata length of head, carapace length, length of tail spine, body length, width of carapace had a tendency to decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research efforts focusing on salmonid populations have highlighted the need to better understand demographic parameters for the fry and parr life stages. Monitoring these small fish presents a challenge because negative effects from handling and tagging can bias subsequent parameter estimates. Removal models and associated sampling designs represent one class of mark-recapture models with potential to be applied to very small juvenile salmon, yet existing methods associated with removal studies are not well-suited for all study environments. For example, populations residing in large storage reservoirs may yield low capture probabilities when subjected to removal sampling, making unbiased estimation of survival using traditional removal models difficult. To address this limitation, we developed a sampling design and associated model using parentage-based tagging in hatchery-raised juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to estimate survival over a 2-year study period in a large storage reservoir in western Oregon, USA. Individual fish were identified to family groups, serving as replicate batch marks in a robust design removal model framework. Results from a simulation suggested that parameter estimates were unbiased even at very low capture probabilities, although the use of model constraints (i.e., covariates or constant parameter values) was necessary to achieve this. Model fitting to field data supported a trend in survival over time, with survival increasing with time since release in the first study year but decreasing in the second. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in the Damsa reservoir have been analysed. Also, reservoir water was evaluated with water quality index (WQI). Damsa reservoir is significant for both biodiversity and recreation in the region. Except for the winter season, the lake water is of good quality for WQI. There is pollution in the lake in terms of phosphorus, especially for winter. In terms of phosphate, all of the stations are mezotrophic for the OECD; however, Stations 4 and 5 are eutrophic for the Türkiye Surface Water Quality Management Regulation (the others are mezotrophic). Community variation and status of benthic macroinvertebrate were evaluated with Ecological Status Class Assessment Tools (ESCATs) indices which have been widely used in the literature. In the present study, 1062 individual benthic macroinvertebrates from 11 orders and 17 families were collected. A total of 46 macroinvertebrates taxa were identified. The first three dominant groups are Oligochaeta (42.66%), Hemiptera (Micronecta scholtzi, 23.07%) and Chironomidae (19.67%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency is the property of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Deciphering the mechanisms underlying viral persistence is critical to achieving a cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Here, we implement a systems approach to discover molecular signatures of HIV latently infected CD4+ T cells, identifying the immunosuppressive, adenosine-producing ectonucleotidase CD73 as a key surface marker of latent cells. Hypoxic conditioning, reflecting the lymphoid tissue microenvironment, increases the frequency of CD73+ CD4+ T cells and promotes HIV latency. Transcriptomic profiles of CD73+ CD4+ T cells favor viral quiescence, immune evasion, and cell survival. CD73+ CD4+ T cells are capable of harboring a functional HIV reservoir and reinitiating productive infection ex vivo. CD73 or adenosine receptor blockade facilitates latent HIV reactivation in vitro, mechanistically linking adenosine signaling to viral quiescence. Finally, tissue imaging of lymph nodes from HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy reveals spatial association between CD73 expression and HIV persistence in vivo. Our findings warrant development of HIV-cure strategies targeting the hypoxia-CD73-adenosine axis.

Monitoring and analyzing reservoir water quality are crucial for ecological and environmental strategies. This study examines the differences between the Water Quality Indices (WQI) of Indonesia (WQI-INA), Malaysia (DOE-Malaysia), Oregon (WQI-Oregon), and Italy (PI-Prati), considering the tropical climate of Indonesia and Malaysia, and contrasting with the temperate climate of Oregon and the Mediterranean climate of Italy. Using data from the Sutami Reservoir in Indonesia from 2015 to 2021, the study assesses water quality parameters such as BOD, COD, DO, NH3, NO3, total suspended solids, total phosphorus (TP), and pH at various depths (0.3, 5, and 10 meters) across three sites (upstream, midstream, downstream). The results show varied classifications: WQI-INA rated the reservoir as "pretty good," WQI-Oregon as "poor," and both DOE-Malaysia and PI-Prati as "slightly polluted." Spatial analysis of vertical distribution revealed "slightly polluted" (WQI-INA), "moderately polluted" (WQI-Oregon and PI-Prati), and "heavily polluted" (DOE-Malaysia). These discrepancies arise from differences in local environmental standards, regulatory requirements, and specific water quality concerns included in each index. The Sutami Reservoir water quality status was declared using WQI-INA, however, other methods were employed to simulate the worst-case scenarios and inform preventive actions. The Sutami Reservoir hyper-eutrophic conditions indicate a pollution load capacity of 65.22 tons per year. Critical parameters such as pH and TP highlight significant water quality and pollution issues. Recommendations for water quality treatment under heavy pollution conditions include applying 12.09 - 120.87 tons of lime, using 78.75 - 393.75 kg of chemical buffers, oxygen diffusion, controlling riparian vegetation over 2.37 - 23.7 hectares, dredging 37,100 m3 of sediment per year, and reducing nutrient sources through community involvement.

Pertamina Hulu Energi discovered a new source of oil and gas reserves in Tambelang, Bekasi Regency, which was named East Pondok Aren (EPN-001). These oil and gas reserves have great potential based on the oil flow test in the second Drill Stem Test. The drill data needs to be correlated with other supporting data such as geophysical methods to ensure the accuracy. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine the subsurface structure of oil and gas reserves in EPN-001 through 2D inversion modeling using the gravity method. Gravity satellite data was taken via the GGMPlus website with a total of 23,898 data in the form of gravity disturbance, geoid, and topography, so only terrain and bouguer corrections were carried out to get the Complete Bouguer Anomaly value. The research results show low anomaly values from -0.4463 – (-0.0339) mGal which are thought to be associated with alluvium lithology and the Lower Cibulakan Formation. In the 2D model, it can be seen that the drilling point in the Lower Cibulakan Formation layer has a density contrast value of -0.002 – 0.001 g/cc at a depth of 2590 m, and is known to be a reservoir that stores hydrocarbon reserves in the research area.

In most people living with HIV (PLWH) on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), cell-associated viral transcripts are readily detectable in CD4+ T cells despite the absence of viremia. Quantification of HIV RNA species provides insights into the transcriptional activity of proviruses that persist in cells and tissues throughout the body during ART (HIV reservoir). One such technique for HIV RNA quantitation, HIV transcription profiling, developed in the Yukl laboratory, measures a series of HIV RNA species using droplet digital PCR. To take advantage of advances in digital (d)PCR, we adapted the HIV transcription profiling technique to Qiagens dPCR platform (QIAcuity) and compared its performance to droplet digital (dd)PCR (Bio-Rad QX200 system). Using RNA standards, the two technologies were tested in parallel and assessed for multiple parameters including sensitivity, specificity, linearity, and intra- and inter-assay variability. The newly validated dPCR assays were then applied to samples from PLWH to determine HIV transcriptional activity relative to HIV reservoir size. We report that HIV transcriptional profiling was readily adapted to dPCR and assays performed similarly to ddPCR, with no differences in assay characteristics. We applied these assays in a cohort of 23 PLWH and found that HIV reservoir size, based on genetically intact proviral DNA, does not predict HIV transcriptional activity. In contrast, levels of total DNA correlated with levels of most HIV transcripts (initiated, proximally and distally elongated, unspliced, and completed, but not multiply spliced), suggesting that a considerable proportion of HIV transcripts likely originate from defective proviruses. These findings may have implications for measuring and assessing curative strategies and clinical trial outcomes.